A clogged milk duct is not only painful, but it can turn to mastitis. If you are wondering how to unclog a milk duct, this is the spot for you. We will go over clogged milk duct symptoms as well as some natural remedies on how to clear a clogged milk duct.

Having a blocked milk duct is something that you don’t want to experience and if you do, you want to get rid of it as soon as possible.

Clogged Milk Duct Symptoms

Some ways you know if you have a blocked duct are your breast will be sore, you might have a small lump on it where the blockage is. This small lump will be sore to touch/press on.

When I had a clogged duct I was also more tired than normal, it hurt to nurse initially, but some of the pain would be relieved after nursing. My breast was also really warm (aka hot) to the touch.

A clogged duct is when the milk is obstructed from coming out.

Even after the blockage is removed, your breast may still feel tender for a few days.

I have compiled a short list of ways to help you unclog your duct. If one of these doesn’t work – keep trying the same one as well as trying another method. Sometimes it takes a bit of persistence to get it unclogged.

Also – please note that I am NOT a doctor, nurse or other professional. Just a Mom, who has been there and wants to share what worked for herself and her friends. None of this is medical advice. As always, you should talk with your doctor or midwife about any health concerns you have.

Clogged Milk Duct Remedies

1. Massage with your hand in a hot shower

Sometimes, if you massage your breast in a hot shower this can help to release the blockage. You should be able to feel where the blockage is occurring, so this is where you want to focus on, but massage all around this area.

It’s best to massage from the top of the breast (so closer to your chest wall) and go down towards your nipple.

2. Wide Tooth Comb in Shower or w/lotion

You can try using a wide tooth comb when in the shower or with some lotion. You use the comb to brush from your underarm (or ribcage, depending on where the clog is) down to your nipple.

3. Use a Breast Pump

Try pumping the blockage out. Use your breast pump to try and suck the blockage out. Sometimes the breast pump has more suction than your baby and so it does a better job at getting the blockage out.

4. Position baby’s chin over the blockage

When nursing your baby, position him/her so that it’s chin is over the clogged milk duct.

This position can help suck the blockage out.

5. Husband try to nurse block out

You can also try and have your husband suck the blockage out. Your husband has a stronger suck than your baby and so a lot of times he is able to get the blockage out, while your baby isn’t.

6. Dangle Feed

When you dangle feed – you have your baby laying on the bed and you are “dangling” you breast over his/her mouth. Something about this position will sometimes allow the clogged milk duct to release the blockage.

If you have a clogged duct, I hope one of these remedies helps you and you get some relief soon! If you have a remedy that worked well for you that I don’t have listed, make sure to let me know in the comments below.